wAnxiety and PTSD Disorders Overview

Flashcards covering vocabulary and key concepts related to anxiety disorders and PTSD, focusing on definitions, treatment, and clinical features.

Anxiety Disorders

Mental illnesses characterized by feelings of distress or fear in everyday situations.

Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)

A common anxiety disorder affecting approximately 6.8 million adults in the U.S., causing persistent worry and tension.

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

An anxiety disorder characterized by obsessive thoughts and compulsive behaviors that interfere with daily life.

Phobia

An intense, persistent fear of a specific object or situation that leads to avoidance behavior.

Panic Disorder

A type of anxiety disorder defined by sudden attacks of terror and intense worry about future attacks.

Pathophysiology

Study of the functional changes that accompany a disease or syndrome; in anxiety disorders, environmental and biological factors are involved.

Etiology

The study of the causes or origins of a disorder; in the case of anxiety disorders, this includes biological and psychosocial factors.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

A nonpharmacologic therapy that helps patients change thought patterns and behaviors supporting anxiety.

Social Anxiety Disorder

A type of anxiety disorder where individuals fear being judged in social situations, causing significant distress.

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

A long-term disorder resulting from experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event, characterized by intrusive memories and hyperarousal.

Acute Stress Disorder (ASD)

A short-term disorder with stress-related symptoms occurring within one month of a major trauma.

Prevention of Anxiety Disorders

Effective strategies including recognizing anxiety patterns and seeking help early to prevent the worsening of symptoms.

Risk Factors for Anxiety

Factors that increase the likelihood of developing anxiety disorders, such as childhood adversity and family history.

Clinical Manifestations

Symptoms associated with anxiety disorders, including physiological, psychological, behavioral, and cognitive symptoms.

Recovery Goals

Objectives for treatment such as reducing anxiety levels and increasing successful coping mechanisms.

Pharmacologic Therapy

The use of medications, such as SSRIs and benzodiazepines, to control symptoms of anxiety.

Non-Pharmacologic Therapy

Integrative approaches like relaxation techniques, yoga, and acupuncture that are used alongside or instead of medication.